Former Chief of Staff to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, has said that governance is not rocket science, stressing that Nigeria’s major challenge lies in the way political leaders are recruited through the electoral process.
Gambari made the remarks on Monday during an interview on Politics Today, a current affairs programme on Channels Television. He argued that effective governance depends largely on returning to fundamental principles, particularly how political parties identify and present candidates for elective office.
According to him, flaws in the leadership recruitment process continue to undermine governance outcomes in the country. He warned that unless political parties reform the way they select candidates, Nigeria will struggle to achieve the quality of leadership required to deliver meaningful results.
“Governance is not rocket science, but we have to go back to the fundamentals of how people get to where they are,” Gambari said. He added that political parties must take responsibility for ensuring that competent, visionary, and accountable individuals emerge as leaders.
Gambari also emphasised the need to inspire young people by offering them clear ideological choices between political parties. He noted that youths must be able to see distinct differences in vision, policies, and future direction between competing parties in order to become genuinely engaged in the political process.
He further stressed that political leadership must articulate a future that recognises the talents of young people and promotes inclusivity, particularly for women and other underrepresented groups. According to him, a society that sidelines youths and women cannot achieve sustainable development.
Expressing concern over gender representation in Nigerian politics, Gambari described it as unfortunate that the country has yet to produce a female governor, vice president, or president. He argued that inclusive leadership is essential for national progress and democratic credibility.
Gambari concluded that meaningful political reform, especially within party structures, remains critical to improving governance and restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic system.
